Herb Wesson takes the oath of office administered by City Clerk June Lagmay while his wife, Fabian looks on

The 10th Council District's annual "City Employee Appreciation Luncheon" Thursday was the scene for Councilmember Herb Wesson taking the "Oath of Office" for his second full term on the Los Angeles City Council.

Wesson beat back a large field of 6 opponents and garnered 74 percent of the vote, the largest percentage of any received by his fellow Councilmembers. The lively campaign was an opportunity that Wesson seized to highlight his many achievements, particularly in the area of jobs and economic development.

These projects include the soon to be completed second phase of the $150 million "Midtown Crossing" retail development at Pico and San Vicente, and the start of construction of the $93 million "District Square" retail project at Rodeo and Crenshaw. Together, these projects will create thousands of construction and permanent retail jobs. "Wilshire Vista Plaza," another retail project located at Pico and Hauser, is under construction, and the $12 million "Angeles Plaza" at Jefferson and Crenshaw Boulevards, which will feature a new "Fresh & Easy" market and a new Union Bank building.

"I am humbled by this overwhelming vote of confidence," said Wesson. "It represents an important mandate to continue the work we have undertaken to remove blight, provide jobs and offer a higher standard of living for our residents."

Still wearing the apron he donned to grill food for the event, Wesson was joined by his wife Fabian Wesson holding the family Bible, while City Clerk June Lagmay administered the oath. Witnessing the swearing-in was a crowd of 200 city employees whose lunch Wesson and his staff served in appreciation for their efforts on behalf of 10th District residents.

"I want to thank you, the City Employees, for all that you do; especially your willingness to go the extra mile to serve our residents," said Wesson.